Career Advice for a Dispatcher

Working as a Dispatcher, you will be the first point of contact for the public’s emergency and non-emergency calls.

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How to Become a Dispatcher

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Dispatcher

Should you wish to work as a Dispatcher you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Dispatcher

  • Microsoft Office and Data Entry proficiency.
  • Level 2 Award in Touch Typing.
  • Level 2 ECDL Award in IT User Skills.
  • Four GCSEs.

Key Responsibilities for a Dispatcher

  • Answering non-emergency and emergency calls and recording vital information.
  • Confirming the location of incidents and the details of what has happened.
  • Contacting dispatch crew to relay crucial information.
  • Remaining on the call with the individual until responders arrive.
  • Providing advice, such as emergency first aid, over the telephone.
  • Determining the level of response and appropriate response vehicle.

What to expect as a Dispatcher

When you become a Dispatcher, you will work in a control room, in an environment that can be emotionally demanding. Successful Dispatchers remain calm under stressful situations, have first aid knowledge, empathy, logic, and outstanding communication skills. You may work a regular or changing shift pattern, covering days, nights, and weekends.

Recommended Dispatcher Jobs

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How to get Dispatcher Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Dispatcher job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Dispatcher application. If you have not held a Dispatcher position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Dispatcher role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Dispatcher CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Dispatcher application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Dispatcher in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Dispatcher 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Dispatcher and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Dispatcher experience.

How to get Dispatcher Experience

What does it take to be a Dispatcher? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Dispatcher jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Dispatcher through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Dispatcher Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Dispatcher part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Dispatcher or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Dispatcher freelance work

If you have impressive Dispatcher qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.